What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
awed
Example
I was awed by the beauty of the sunset over the ocean. [awed: past tense]
Example
The audience was in awe of the acrobat's incredible performance. [awe: noun]
stunned
Example
She was stunned when she won the lottery. [stunned: past tense]
Example
The magician's trick left the audience stunned in silence. [stunned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stunned is more commonly used than awed in everyday language. Stunned is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while awed is less common and typically used in specific situations where there is a sense of wonder or admiration.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between awed and stunned?
While awed is associated with a more formal and elevated tone, stunned is more commonly used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.